AP Literature and Composition
Short Story Unit
“Greasy Lake” by T.C. Boyle
Your Name:__________________________________________________
Part I. Close Reading
Focus Areas: Point of View, Setting, Characterization, Simile, Tone, Syntax
Rhetorical Strategy
Quote & Page #
Effect
Part II. Analytical Questions—Answer in full and complete sentences.
1. In what way does the setting of the story help to also develop character and
theme in this story? Give specific examples from the story to support your
answer.
2. Discuss the syntax in paragraphs three and four. In what ways does the syntax
develop the pacing of the story as well as the character of the narrator? Use specific
examples in your answer.
3. Find three examples of Boyle’s use of detail and description to reveal minor characters
in the story. What do these details and descriptions reveal literally and figuratively
about the characters?
4. Find three examples of simile in the story. Explain why Bolye uses these
similes—what do they reveal about theme, character, or tone?
5. Discuss the contrast in the tone in paragraphs one and two with the final paragraphs on
page 119. What diction and imagery choices contribute to this tone? What is Boyle
trying to show us with tone shift in terms of theme? Be sure to use specific tone words
from our list when describing imagery, tone, and diction.
III.
Thesis Development and Template
What is Boyle trying to show us about the ways in which irresponsible choices can
lead to irreversible consequences?
In ___________’s (author’s name) ____________(descriptive adjective that summarizes
story) “ ______________,” the writer uses ___________, __________, and
__________to reveal/show/illustrate/that _________________ leads to /creates
__________________________ which makes the reader understand Boyle’s
idea/theme/meaning that _________________________________.
Part IV. “Greasy Lake” Vocabulary List
1. ravage
2. susurrus
3. grail
4. apocryphal
5. extricate
6. kamikazee
7. disconsolate
8. garret
9. deliquesce
10. virtuosity
11. lurid
12. primordial
13. coccyx
14. catatonics